Aerospace

Airbus Helicopters H160 granted FAA certification

The H160 helicopter from Airbus Helicopters has been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which represents an important development step and positions the aircraft for sale in the United States.

The H160 is a ground-breaking medium-class rotorcraft that raises the bar for environmental performance, comfort, and safety. It is equipped with cutting-edge technologies, such as Fenestron tail rotors with canting for increased useable load and Airbus Helicopters’ Helionix avionics suite for lessened pilot effort, as well as Blue Edge rotor blades that reduce noise.

Meet airbus most expensive VIP Helicopter H160 : Price, Specification and design.(Opens in a new browser tab)

The H160 was previously approved by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in July 2020, and it has since gained popularity with clients all around the world. More than 100 H160s have been ordered by clients across the world, including more than a dozen from the United States. The H160 has been in use for more than 1700 flight hours across its fleet, which is present in Japan, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Europe.

The H160 is a versatile helicopter that excels at performing a wide range of tasks, including offshore transportation for the oil sector, private and business aviation, emergency medical services, commercial passenger transport, and public services including search and rescue and law enforcement. The H160 provides operators with a superior degree of performance and versatility because to its remarkable range, speed, and efficiency.

Airbus delivers world’s first H160 in Japan(Opens in a new browser tab)

The addition of the first H160 level D full flight simulator (FFS) in North America has been previously announced as part of ongoing preparations for the H160’s seamless introduction into service. The Helisim Simulation Centre inside of Airbus Helicopters, Inc. will house the FFS, which is anticipated to be operational as early as the second half of 2025.

Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.